Reflections on the 2016 Election

By Sean Evans, Chair and Professor of Political Science

Nov 10, 2016 -

On Tuesday evening, I, like many others, was stunned that Donald Trump was elected president. In the wake of that election here are some brief reflection on that result.

First, breathe. Our first reactions to a result we like/do not like is to hope for the best/fear for the worst. It is usually neither. 

Second, think before you act. Many people, especially many of my friends on the left, are talking about taking action with the election of Trump. Action is good but we need to think about what is the correct action.

All of us should ask what led to the nomination of two candidates that led the country to a collective "ugh." If we are suprised by the division in this nation, we need to ask why is that the case and seek out more people not like us.

Those on the left should ask why such an aspirational figure such as President Obama left his party in shambles, never united red and blue America, and contributed to the election of Donald Trump. It is easy to blame the other side, Comey, or a poor messenger but true introspection should lead one to ask what did we do wrong that led to the election of Trump and what should we do better next time.

Those on the right need to remember Trump is not and never will be a conservative. In fact, he defeated the true conservative and the aspirational conservative in the primary rather easily. Moreover, the GOP party brand is in shambles because of the Bush years and opposition to all things Obama (as Obama opposed all things Republicans). Plus, minorities and the young (often the same) overwhelming vote for the other party and the country is becoming less white. What have you done wrong and how can you change to meet our changing world?

Third, be empathetic. Channel your inner Atticus Finch and remember that "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you walk a mile in another man's shoes."

For those on the right, the fears that you have felt about cultural decline, an end of constitutional government, and runaway debt as seen in President Obama and Secretary Clinton, those on the left are now fearing cultural retrenchment, threats to minorities, and less social justice as a result of a President-Elect Trump.

Each of those fears are real. Yet, no one, except wrongdoers, should be afraid in America. Can we pursue our preferred policies without demonizing our opponents and find compromises that will lessen the fear? Moreover, we should reach out to those who are not like us so that they see us for who we are instead of the caricature that they think we are.

Fourth, empathy also helps us realize, to paraphrase Mao (I believe), "One ballot, many reasons." Don't naturally think that people voted for the other person because they are bigots or "takers." Let's think of our better angels and give those on the other side the benefit of the doubt. This simple act can help us understand the other and reach out.

Fifth, let's have hope. Our system of government purposely separates power to insure no one person or branch has too much power. Trump will be held in check. Our system, if used properly, can help us overcome out problems. The Founder's genius is that policy would be incremental and it would take time.
 
Things will not move as fast as many would like. That is painful, especially if you feel you are an oppressed minority. Yet, legislative action is better than executive or judicial action because it requires us to persuade our fellow neighbors (instead of force something upon them) and requires compromise that will allow for change that threatens fewer people. Most of all, people are more likely to accept legislative action that they were involved in making or were heard in its making than decisions forced upon us.

Also remember that federalism is a good thing. Yes, it can allow minorities to be oppressed but more likely it will produce innovation. In a divided America such as we have, federalism can allow different people pursue different agendas and live in peace.

Sixth, evangelicals voted for Trump and now they own him. Trump does not represent the virtues that Christians claim are important but still they voted for him for reasons that I understand (e.g., Court, religious liberty). Many people now see us as hypocrites which makes many less likely to listen to us.

We need to make sure that in the coming 4 years that we hold President Trump to biblical standards and praise him when he follows them and criticizes him when he does not. Moreover, we need to remember Justice Kennedy is 80 and the Court will be an issue again in 4 years. Don't rely on the Court to win the country for the gospel. Only your witness through evangelism, a good life, and seeking justice will do that.

I did not vote for Trump and fear that his character will doom his presidency. Yet, he is now my president (on Jan. 20, 2017). I will pray for him each day just as I prayed for President Obama. And just like I did not pray that President Obama come around to my views, I will pray that he will seek and follow God's wisdom. I do this because Lincoln was right. We should not seek to have God on our side but be sure that we are on God's side.

Finally while I also did not vote for Secretary Clinton, she is correct that we are "Stronger Together." Our nation has faced worse crises than our division today (e.g., Civil War, Depression) and we came out stronger. We can do the same today if we are willing to put aside our preconceived notions, assess the current situation as it is and think anew to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. If we do this, we can once again be the "shining city set on a hill" and be reminded, as Ronald Reagan once said, "that in America, the best is yet to come."